Authentic Pilates

The Misinterpretation of Pilates: The Danger of Losing the Method

The fitness world is no stranger to trends, but what happens when the essence of a method is diluted in the pursuit of modernisation? Recently, I came across a statement from the biggest educational organisation in the USA discussing Pilates Reformers: “Gone are the days of rigid, repetitive routines; today’s Pilates is dynamic, engaging, and seriously hard.”

At first glance, it sounds exciting, progressive even. But beneath the surface, this statement reveals a profound misunderstanding of what Pilates is and why it has endured for nearly a century.

Repetition is the Key to Change

Pilates, at its core, is about discipline, structure, and precision. The so-called “rigid, repetitive routines” are not an outdated remnant of the past—they are the very foundation of what makes Pilates effective. Repetition allows the body to learn, adapt, and change. Without it, movement lacks progression, and true transformation is lost.

The same mistake happened with step training. Step aerobics became popular because of its structured, repetitive nature, which effectively conditioned the body. Over time, however, fitness trends took over, turning step classes into high-energy dance routines where the step became a mere prop rather than the core tool of the workout. The result? The effectiveness of step training was diluted to the point where it became unrecognisable.

Now, the same is happening to Pilates.

The Risk of Losing the Method

When Pilates is stripped of its disciplined structure in favour of high-intensity, fast-paced, or constantly varied movements, it ceases to be Pilates. The method’s longevity is not due to its ability to entertain, but to its ability to support and transform the body. The very principles that make it work—control, breath, centring, precision, flow, and concentration—are undermined when we prioritise making it “seriously hard” over making it functionally beneficial.

Creativity in teaching is essential, and anyone who knows me knows that I embrace innovation. But true creativity in Pilates does not mean abandoning the method’s foundational discipline. It means working within its framework to refine movement, deepen understanding, and enhance results. Without that structure, Pilates loses its purpose and, ultimately, its effectiveness.

A Call to Protect the Method

Pilates does not need to be “rebranded” to remain relevant. The reason it has lasted for decades is because it works. Those of us who have dedicated our lives to this method have a responsibility to ensure that its core principles are upheld, rather than watered down to fit the latest fitness trend.

Trends come and go, but discipline, consistency, and structure will always be the backbone of any effective training method. Pilates is not about being the hardest workout in the room; it is about being the most intelligent and transformative one. Let’s not allow the industry to forget that.

I got this from a page I follow. We were asked to share.
Joseph Pilates wanted everyone to do his work. He had been described as "the Universal Reformer". He created a piece of equipment, the Reformer, as well as many other unique pieces to form a system of exercise he called "contrology" and now is known as Pilates. Students of Joe Pilates went on to teach his work after years of practice with him, a bit like a dancer or martial arts student eventually becoming a Teacher of their specialism. Those in training worked alongside Joe, taking notes, assisting with other students, and then teaching under supervision before teaching solo. He had plans for a teacher training institute, but it never came to fruition. Now everyone and anyone can become a "Pilates Instructor" or "Reformer Pilates Instructor" without any prior experience - often in two -three days if already a fitness instructor or hold some other type of qualification for movement.

There are so many studios offering "Reformer Pilates" and it's great to move, however, the springs are designed for specific exercises created by either Joseph Pilates or the brand that manufactured the equipment. The increase load principle in weight training does not translate well into the reformer and case reports of simultaneous double shoulder dislocations (with fracture in one case) after a reformer class have been reported in medical literature (Bohlen et al,2023, Ergun et al, 2023). Making up exercises which were not designed by Pilates or covered in a training course could mean that in the event of an injury, instructor insurance may be invalid. Just check Instagram for countless examples of "creativity" which may have zero to do with Pilates or designed for the reformer.

I believe in moving and finding something which you enjoy and gives benefit, but if thinking of starting Pilates be it "reformer" or "mat " ask these questions below of your teacher. I would hope that they already list their qualifications on their website or social media but if not, just ask.

1) A Comprehensive Pilates teacher is qualified on reformer, mat and all the other equipment. It takes over a year or more to qualify. A mat training may be 6 months or more.

2) A Comprehensive teacher has a minimum of 450/500 hours of post course supervision with highly experienced Supervisors before they take an exam.

3) Teacher Training schools in Pilates have been around for over 40 years. Check where your teacher trained and look at the brand websites for what they say they require in terms of training and continuing education.

4) Look at the websites and media for the equipment manufacturers. You will see exercises that are designed and tested for the equipment. Ask the teacher the name of the exercise and who created it because if it's not to brand design and something goes wrong, it's all on the instructor...whose insurance may become invalid.

Be informed when buying anything named Pilates and if the questions below are not answered to your satisfaction, get a second opinion from a Comprehensive teacher.

Finding control in your movement during routines is important because it vastly improves the outcome of the exercise. 🌱